Schools

Mold That Shuttered Freehold Twp. School Ruined Teachers' Supplies

Wish lists have been created for teachers at Laura Donovan Elementary, who lost all their school supplies due to mold in the building.

FREEHOLD, NJ — Teachers at Laura Donovan Elementary School are asking for support after mold discovered in the building has forced the school to temporarily close.

Freehold Township Schools Superintendent Neal Dickstein sent a letter to families on Aug. 28 explaining that repair efforts for the mold have taken longer than anticipated and that until the issue is fully resolved, the school cannot open.

Due to the closure, Laura Donovan's students and staff have been relocated to other elementary schools throughout the district, and teachers have lost almost all classroom supplies left behind over the summer.

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To help teachers replace these items, a document has been created with Amazon wishlists from Laura Donovan's teachers.

“These educators are dedicated to providing a top-quality education for our children, but they now face the challenge of doing so with limited resources,” NJ Senator Vin Gopal said. “They are asking for our help with donation of school supplies — everything from basic items like notebooks, pencils, and markers, to more substantial needs like whiteboards and bookshelves. Your support will make a tremendous difference in helping these teachers continue their vital work under difficult circumstances.”

Find out what's happening in Freeholdfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

In addition to teachers' Amazon wishlists, there will be a donation drop-off bin location at Romeo’s Italian American in Freehold.

Frankie Fed's Pizza & Pasta House will also be donating 10% of top-line sales back to the Laura Donovan School PTO all day on Thursday when you mention "Donovan Strong."

Those with further questions or donations can reach out to Principal Benbrook at jbenbrook@freeholdtwp.k12.nj.us or School Counselor Ms. Harris at jharris@freeholdtwp.k12.nj.us.

“Please consider donating whatever you can to support Laura Donovan Elementary,” Gopal said. “Let’s come together, as we always do, to show our teachers and students that they have the full backing of this community.”

Wishlists for Laura Donovan teachers can be found here.

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